Pascagoula-Moss Point Bank (Hancock Bank) (1961)

April 6, 2010, 10:09 pm

≫ Next: National Bank of Commerce (Cadence Bank) (1973)

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Pascagoula – Moss Point Bank (Hancock Bank)
3207 Magnolia St.
Pascagoula, Mississippi
Date of Construction: 1961
Architect: Bank Building & Equipment Corp. of America
Designation: None

Only a few details separated the original concept of the Pascagoula-Moss Point Bank from the final product. As conceived, a four-story building would be anchored by a fire red brick corner tower, displaying a colorful blade sign for the bank. Each of the two main street facades were to be largely covered with glass and sets of window louvers to block the southern sun. On one of the main facades, a decorative pillow-top like pattern was portrayed atop the building with dots along the façade. The first floor was shown to be completely transparent with all glass.

The only changes to the original plan may have been the omission of the decorative corner-mounted blade sign. Alterations are also likely to have been made to the building's exterior since its construction including painting it a cream color and removing the window louvers, which has been common due to maintenance issues. To exacerbate issues here, the building was damaged by the massive inland storm surge associated with Hurricane Katrina in 2005. For several years after that, it was closed for renovations but was likely not substantially changed further on the exterior.

It's use as a branch of Hancock Bank has been maintained and is open again today.

Photo credit: Kirk Huffaker, David Preziosi

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National Bank of Commerce (Cadence Bank) (1973)

April 6, 2010, 10:08 pm

≫ Next: Merchants & Farmers Bank (1972)

≪ Previous: Pascagoula-Moss Point Bank (Hancock Bank) (1961)

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Columbus, Mississippi

The Bank Building & Equipment Corporation had architect Charles B. Guariglia design this four story structure for the National Bank of Commerce in Columbus. The architecture of the building has two tendencies. One is to draw you in by directing your path to where the "banks" of windows and doors are located in the building, marking the entry points. The second tendency is that of drawing your eye vertically up. While the thick, cantilevered roof may seem to be too heavy for the structure, the system of thin horizontal arms, reach up and out to support and hold it in place.

After the National Bank of Commerce completed this structure, they relocated here from their previous quarters built in 1913. This building is currently being used by Cadence Bank.

Photo and Research credit: Sam Kaye

Merchants & Farmers Bank (1972)

April 6, 2010, 10:07 pm

≫ Next: First Federal Savings & Loan (1962)

≪ Previous: National Bank of Commerce (Cadence Bank) (1973)

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Columbus, Mississippi

Perry C. Langston was the lead architect for the Bank Building & Equipment Corporation on this design for the Merchants & Farmers Bank. What resulted was a departure for Langston in style and materials from his previous documented work in the A.G. Gaston Building. In the Merchants & Farmers Bank, Langston brought a simple, yet dignified brand of New Formalism to Columbus using attractive, and commonly affordable materials for the era. A few architectural accents such as the long vertical striations on the main mass and the double-cut, horizontal panels on the street elevation of the smaller mass provide relief to an otherwise hulking block. Whimsical modern touches such as the original flashbulb-style sign and cantilevered entrance have been replaced during the mansardization era.

When this building was completed, Merchants & Farmers moved here from the original building they constructed in 1903, across the street from the original National Bank of Commerce. Merchants & Farmers changed their name to Unisouth and was later acquired by Trustmark, under which name this building still operates.

Photo and Research credit: Sam Kaye

First Federal Savings & Loan (1962)

April 6, 2010, 10:06 pm

≪ Previous: Merchants & Farmers Bank (1972)

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Columbus, Mississippi

This building designed by the Bank Building & Equipment Corporation was the original location of First Federal Savings & Loan.  The ground floor storefront level has likely been altered with only a new door and the awning.  The complete window wall divided by a grid of aluminum with alternating solid, colored panels and glass is a signature architectural feature of the architects of the corporation.  With growth of the bank, they later built a larger freestanding building and relocated, before eventually merging with National Bank of Commerce.

Photo and Research credit:  Sam Kaye